Daikin Applied announced it's proposal to expand production capabilities with a new state-of-the-art, built-to-order manufacturing facility in Faribault.  In a news release KDHL shared with you on Thursday it says, "On it's journey to become the number one applied HVAC manufacturer in North America" they were proposing to build the plant in northern Faribault.  Daikin Applied is a division of Daikin Industries, the world's number one air conditioning company headquartered in Japan.

The news release also says, "As the global HVAC leader, Daikin Industries has more than 90 production bases around the world to mee the specific needs of regional world markets, including two successful U.S. plants in Faribault and Owatonna, Minnesota."  Company officials say they explored multiple site options outside the United States, in different regions of the United States and different Minnesota locations but "recognized Southern Minnesota as the best opportunity for the planned state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, given the region's skilled talent base and past achievements in designing and producing complex, highly specified equipment."

Vice President and General Manager Will Fort leads both Minnesota plants and will spearhead the development of the new factory.  Fort says, "We have grown our operation within the city of Faribault over fifty years.  In 2000 we opened the Owatonna factory. and completed a major expansion there in 2014 to triple it's size."

Fort added, "Our strong growth in recent years is the result of having highly skilled people in the plants, expert product design and marketing teams in our Plymouth headquarters, and the commitment from Daikin Industries to manufacturing excellence."

The news release doesn't specify the number of jobs associated with the new plant but officials have said they envision approximately 200 positions.

The Faribault and Owatonna facilities currently employ approximately 900 people.

Daikin Plant in Faribault- photo by Gordy Kosfeld
Daikin Plant in Faribault- photo by Gordy Kosfeld
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